Using 2IS zoom - getting lack of definition

I've been taking bird pictures with my 2IS zoom to the max and haven't been getting good definition in the pictures. I've been shooting at ISO 100 and 400, 1000-1250 speed and AV setting or manual. The weather has been cloudy, maybe that's an issue. Any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks.

How are you setting exposure? Can you maybe post an example or two of what you consider not "getting good definition"?

yes, i don't know what you mean by "good definition". Are the pictures blurry?, out of focus?, grainny?. A whole set of things could be happening.

Something i've noticed, is that you said that the zoom was to the max... are you using the digital zoom?. Because if so, the quality of the picture will be affected big time (also notice, that the size of a pic at 48x combined zoom, is about 1/2 - 1/4 of a 12x picture).

But, to clear things out, you should really post a few samples

Hand-held or tripod? IS mode on?

I've posted a sample of the bird pictures that don't seem too well defined. Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks.

They block Photobucket at work. Anyone else care to comment? I'll try to check this evening.

This was hand held. What is the IS mode? I'm not sure what that is?

Really, I don't think there is anything out of the ordinary in that shot. Given the conditions and the fact that you were shooting hand-held at 432mm, that's not bad.

IS is Image Stabilization. A function available on that camera that diminishes camera shake on shots like this. Do some test shots with IS turned on, and with the camera on a tripod or solid surface and see what you get.

It's not that bad. Yes, it's a bit (just a bit) soft, but you have to consider that the bird was pretty cover by branches, and it's not an ideal situation for auto focus.

i have 2 dif readings regarding the shutter speed... i've seen 1/6 and 1/1600... i don't think the real one is 1/1600, if it was a cloudy day, i don't know if you could achieve that speed.

The other thing you should try, is setting the IS mode to "shoot only", and try again with the object in the clear. Again, that bird was among branches, and sometimes the AF just don't focus on what you'd think it would. Use spot metering as well.

PS: jon, here is the picture @ imageshack

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It's a busy picture, but I believe with spot metering, the bird would have been in much sharper focus, providing the camera was steadied properly.

Thanks for the comments the 2nd version. I double checked my zoombrowser and I shot at 1/1600 4.0 which I tend to use for birds. I think the IS was on as there was an camera icon surrounded by hands. Maybe I should try manual focus with the surroundings of branches. I did have it on AF and tried to put the bird's head in the box. I guess if I were able to shoot at f8.0 it would have been an optimal setting for clarity.

Like Gary said, it's kind of busy - that may have thrown off the focus a bit. And with the bright sky background the Jay's edges may have gotten spill-over, throwing off things as well. But not "spot metering" so much as selecting the AF point. There's some purple fringing which you can expect in a contrasty situation like that, with even the best of lenses. It's a digital thing.

Thanks for your comments, I'll keep trying to get it better...

I suppose it could be improved in post processing software in some ways but I think for being a new camera owner your shot is terrific. My S3 is not new but I would be happy with that although I would crop to the bird some to eliminate such a busy background.